Buy plantain lily Hosta 'Francee (fortunei)'

Hosta 'Francee' (fortunei)

plantain lily

A smart hosta, with heart-shaped, olive green, puckered leaves beautifully offset by neat white margins. Spikes of trumpet-shaped, lavender-blue flowers appear in July and August and, provided they are protected from slug and snail damage, the leaves retain their freshness until the end of September. This pretty plantain makes a statement on its own in a large container, or try Hosta 'Francee' as a bright full stop in a shady area under deciduous trees.

How to care for Hosta Francee (fortunei):

Hostas thrive in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, ideally with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. While they can tolerate partial shade, dappled sunlight is optimal for maintaining vibrant, healthy foliage. To ensure optimal growth, water your hostas regularly, especially during dry periods. A thick layer of mulch applied in spring or autumn will help retain moisture, suppress weeds and enrich the soil.

Slugs and snails love hostas, so you will need to protect against them. Additionally, elevating your hostas in pots with gravel-topped soil can deter these pests.

To prevent the spread of diseases, clean up any fallen leaves and debris in late autumn. This simple practice can significantly reduce the risk of fungal infections and pest infestations.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

0.55m

Eventual spread:

Position:

Light shade / shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.